Enlarge ImageRequest to buy this photoFRED SQUILLANTE | DISPATCHDr. Jason Dapore demonstrates an “extreme” exercise program at OhioHealth’s Spine, Sport & Joint Center. Dapore said he has seen patients with injuries related to these workouts, including damage to rotator cuffs, tendinitis in the knee and neck injuries.

Intense home-workout programs that promise transformation, such as P90X and Insanity, can be too much for many people and might even lead to serious injuries, some doctors and trainers warn.

Dr. Jason Dapore of OhioHealth’s Spine, Sport & Joint Center said he has seen several patients with injuries related to these workouts, including damage to rotator cuffs, tendinitis in the knee and neck injuries.

“It’s not something they talk about in the commercials,” said Dapore, who has done the original P90X and is working his way through the second incarnation. “There are some dynamic, complex moves.”< /p>

The programs, which are on DVDs, run for a set number of days and include difficult aerobic and strength-training workouts.

Dapore said the newest version includes information about injury risks, but he thinks many people likely jump past the warnings in their eagerness to get going.

“I think people kind of just dive into their workouts,” he said.

Dapore said he also has noticed that many people who follow the P90X exercise program don’t adhere to the diet that goes with it. Without the proper diet, working out at that intensity can be dangerous, he said. “You’re basically tearing up your muscles and not getting the nutrition you need.”

People — especially those who aren’t in their 20s anymore — should take the time to learn about what the programs entail and talk to their doctor or a physical therapist about whether they are a safe option, Dapore said.

Greg Jasnikowski, a personal trainer who owns Body by Greg in Dublin, said the workouts are far too intense for most people.

“They ask people to do pull-ups in these videos. Show me somebody who can do pull-ups right off the street,” he said. “These are being sent to people who are sitting in front of the TV and looking at these pictures of before and after. It’s trying to psychologically set the fire under their butts.”

He said such workouts really are for athletes with some sort of preparation.

He said the workouts aren’t just strenuous, they’re long. People starting a strength-training program shouldn’t be pushing themselves longer than 15 minutes or a half-hour, he said.

Another concern is that people trying an intense workout at home for the first time won’t know if they’re performing an exercise correctly. Without proper alignment, form and flexibility, injury is a major risk, Jasnikowski said.

“Most of the people I come across, they are undermuscled, overfat and completely stiff,” he said.

Nate Traucht, a personal trainer who owns Fitness Edge in Dublin, said there’s another downside to home-based workouts.

“People spend a lot of money and then never use it. That’s why personal trainers continue in this day and age,” Traucht said.

He said the programs are effective if used properly.

“It’s sound advice, it’s just whether or not everybody can do it.”

Injuries are bound to happen when relatively sedentary people jump into a strenuous routine, Traucht said. “You have to learn to walk before you can run, and with most of these DVDs, you have to go in running.”